What is one key for the Arizona Diamondbacks to gain ground in the NL West?
May 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images PHOENIX – There’s a quiet truth about the Arizona Diamondbacks that doesn’t always show up in highlight reels, and that is that their season will go as far as their pitching takes them. May 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Chase Field.
Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images Arizona’s lineup, starring Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, and Geraldo Perdomo, is resilient by design. Slumps happen, but Arizona built enough depth to absorb them without long-term damage. Though their season could easily take a turn for the better or worse if their pitchers can get on track.
When it clicks, everything changes. May 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) and pitcher Brandyn Garcia (55) celebrate after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images Take last night’s dominant win over the Pittsburgh Pirates as an example of a snapshot of what this team looks like when its arms dictate the game.
Arizona played efficient innings with command in hitter’s count, and Eduardo Rodriguez worked deep enough to keep a vulnerable bullpen out of harm’s way. It wasn’t just a victory; it was a blueprint. May 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) celebrates after hitting a triple against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Chase Field.
Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images Data across the league reinforces the pattern that teams that consistently get six-plus innings from their starters win at a dramatically higher rate. For Arizona, that margin feels even wider. Their bullpen inconsistencies aren’t fatal, but they are exposed when starters exit early.